Now, as Chinese New Year is coming up, there is an opportunity to walk in favour with God and Men.

Firstly, to walk in favour with men, we must love them, even if its your irritating aunt who always asks you funny questions like, " Why haven't you grown taller?". Even though such relatives are usually undeserving of your love, why not love them magnanimously anyway? If this is your first Chinese New Year as a Christian, show them how God has changed you, and I'm sure they will be impressed. For example, you can start conversations with them and find out how they are doing. You can also help out around the house if you are having a reunion dinner, and also spend time with your family. People do not care about what you want them to know unless you can show them that you care.

The next method is by sowing. During the festive season, reach out to your younger cousins and be genuinely interested in them. For me however, I have no younger cousins, therefore I don't have that opportunity. But, if you can show that you really care about what happens in their life, then they will really look to you as their role models, and then you can begin to talk about the Word to them, and have a seed sown in their hearts.

Firstly, we must be uncompromising. We want to live an alternative life, a life that is pure and holy, and the festive season does not give you an excuse to do things that should not be done. For example, and I'm sure it always happens during Chinese New Year, people gamble. They play games like mahjong, tai-ti and so on, for the "thrill" of winning money. Gambling encourages greed.

As Christians, we must stand up for our beliefs and avoid all sorts of activities that can lead to sin. We want to please God and serve men, not serve God and please men! Although your relatives might call you a spoilsport for not participating, at least they will respect you for standing up for your beliefs. Also, be wise and explain to them why you can't participate, and never tell them things like," I can't do it because I'm a Christian". That really gives them the wrong impression.

Finally, we can honour God. God has blessed us tremendously, and we want to give back to God! This Chinese New Year, why not take a bold step and commit part of your finances to God?

We all know that we can never out give God! He wants us to give and do our tithes because we do not have enough room to contain His blessings!